Web sites:
CNET reviews: Unbiased comparisons of different computer systems.
Digital Trends Professional and user reviews of computer systems.
Avast Antivirus and AVG Free Edition
Ad-Aware and SpyBot: Search and Destroy -- Free anti-spyware scanners to keep your system protected.
Mozilla Firefox -- A free spyware-stopping Web browser
Microsoft Office -- This program suite, containing Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint (and sometimes Access) forms the foundation for most modern office communications.
Adobe Photoshop -- A complex imaging program.